Astronomer HR Chief Resigns After Coldplay Kiss Cam Moment With Ex-CEO

Topline

Kristin Cabot, the chief people officer of tech company Astronomer, has resigned from the company after she was seen embracing the company’s former CEO, Andy Byron, on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert this month.

Key Facts

Astronomer confirmed Cabot’s resignation to Forbes in an email, saying she is “no longer” with the company following the viral moment she shared with Byron.

Cabot’s exit comes days after Byron made the same decision, stepping down as Astronomer’s chief executive last weekend.

Byron was seen hugging Cabot from behind when the kiss cam focused on the two, prompting Byron to duck out of frame and Cabot to turn her back to the camera.

“Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy. I’m not quite sure what to do,” Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin said as the two were shown, in a moment that has been widely parodied and memed on social media.

Key Background

Astronomer said in a July 29 statement its “leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” Interim CEO Pete DeJoy appeared to address the scandal in a Monday LinkedIn post after assuming the role, calling the company’s situation “unusual and surreal,” though he did not directly mention the kiss cam moment.

Further Reading

New Astronomer CEO Addresses ‘Surreal’ Situation After Andy Byron Coldplay Concert Scandal (Forbes)

Astronomer CEO Steps Down After Being Seen Embracing HR Chief On Coldplay Kiss Cam (Forbes)

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/07/24/astronomer-hr-chief-kristin-cabot-resigns-after-being-seen-on-coldplay-kiss-cam-with-ex-ceo/